Have you ever questioned the decision to change the name of Microsoft applications "Add / Remove Programs" in Windows XP and previous to "Programs and Features" in Vista? There are likely to consider Microsoft the package management system similar to the various Linux distro (eg, APT in Debian, RPM in Red Hat). System such akan merevolusioner how users interact with Windows applications, while providing some form of security because the benefit only to allow the user to install applications that are secure.

For you who have not been so familiar with the package management system, the system allows users to search, download and install the update applications easily, without having to visit the various Internet site to download the application sought.

Microsoft recently ask the beta testers of Windows 7, to request input from them about the "single place to find and update management for the programs in the PC." The participants are asked to indicate (1 - 9) the importance of the features below for them:

• The ability to install a program on my PC.
• The ability to find the program I want to use on my PC.
• The ability to have all programs on my PC up-to-date.
• The ability for me to update specific programs on my PC at a time that is convenient for me.
• The ability for me to remove a specific program on my PC.
• The ability to set the schedule for updating programs on my PC.
• The ability for a program to automatically configure settings it needs while it is being installed on my PC (e.g. there is no need for me to manually configure the firewall, etc).
• The ability to block a program from being installed on my PC when the program publisher cannot be verified.
• The ability to ensure that only programs on my PC from publishers I choose to trust can automatically stay up-to-date.
• The ability to install programs on my PC from program publishers I trust, without any security prompts or warnings.
• The ability to see security prompts or warnings when trying to install programs from publishers I had not previously chosen to trust.
• The ability to install a program so that all the users sharing a PC can use it.
• The ability to install a program and have it usable almost immediately.
• The ability to install multiple programs on my PC at the same time.
• The ability to install programs without causing any noticeable slow-down to other programs on the PC.
• The ability to install a program without interrupting other activities I am doing on my PC.
• The ability to know that my PC has all the necessary requirements a program needs before installing the program (e.g. memory, hard disk space).
• The ability to know the identity of the company or vendor that created a program installed on my PC.
• The ability to find reviews and ratings about a program before installing it on my PC.
• The ability to quickly find the programs I use most frequently on my PC.
• The ability install or update a program without the need for a reboot.
• The ability to have a single place for finding and managing updates for the programs on my PC.
• The ability to know which programs are causing problems on my PC.
• The ability to restore a program to its original settings and behavior when it malfunctions.
• The ability to install a program to a USB key.
• The ability to discover which programs can be installed.
• The ability to discover which programs can be removed.
• The ability to discover the repair functionality for a malfunctioning program.

In short, Microsoft would like to know what features are desired user from a Windows application distribution system. The world's largest technology companies this seems to be working hard with many third-party developers to design this system well, but when this system is able to achieve functionality similar to the Debian APT system of course this will be the big breakthrough. Who does not want the feature to search for the application locally on the PC, the Internet, download, install, update all the applications from one application only? Maybe this system will be finished when Windows arrived 8 (or whatever the name of the Windows OS 7).